Phase I of the project, which approved 70,000 cameras, is nearly complete with 62,691 units in place
Delhi is on the cusp of completing one of the largest urban surveillance projects in India, with more than 1.27 lakh closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras already installed across the city. Spearheaded by the Public Works Department (PWD), the initiative is part of a broader drive to transform the Capital into a safer, more tech-enabled urban centre.
Officials said the system is not merely a crime deterrent but a multi-purpose monitoring network designed to enhance public safety, infrastructure management, and disaster response. Of the total 1,40,000 cameras sanctioned under the two-phase programme, 91%—or 127,490 units—have been installed so far.
Phase I of the project, which approved 70,000 cameras, is nearly complete with 62,691 units in place. Phase II has contributed an additional 64,799 units, deployed across government schools, public buildings, and waterlogging-prone areas. The system is expected to play a crucial role during the upcoming monsoon, enabling real-time monitoring and quicker emergency response.
“A smart city requires smart infrastructure,” a senior PWD official said. “This network isn’t just about surveillance—it’s about improving civic management, from school safety to flood detection to crime prevention.”
Initially sanctioned in August 2019 with an expansion in January 2020, the project has a budget of ₹1,184 crore. Delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic pushed back the original mid-2020 deadline. Officials now expect the revised target of 31 July 2024 to be met.
The cameras are equipped with high-definition capabilities, night vision, and are integrated into a central monitoring platform. This platform will eventually link with the Delhi Police, disaster management teams, and educational authorities, enabling faster coordination during emergencies.
However, the sweeping scale of the project has sparked concern among civil liberties groups and urban policy experts. Critics point to the lack of transparency around data handling—particularly regarding access, retention, and citizen consent. While authorities have pledged to introduce strict data protection protocols, comprehensive policies are yet to be disclosed.
As Delhi moves closer to becoming one of the most surveilled cities globally, the long-term success of the initiative will hinge not only on its technical deployment but also on how well it is regulated, maintained, and aligned with citizens’ rights. For now, it stands as a potential model for Indian urban surveillance—though whether it sets a benchmark or raises red flags remains to be seen.
